Keyless entry system and keyless entry method

ABSTRACT

A keyless entry system include a key device  13  for carrying out locking and unlocking operations, a mobile terminal  14  including a mobile terminal transmitting/receiving unit  18  for transmitting user-ID number data a 1  used for identifying a user of the key device  13 , and a key security system  15  including a key device transmitting/receiving unit  20  for receiving the user-ID number data a 1  from the mobile terminal  14 . The key security system  15  includes an ID-number data comparison unit  23  for recognizing a fact that key-device ID number data a 2  pre-stored in the key device  13  is identical to the user-ID number data a 1  transmitted from the mobile terminal  14  and a key-device ECU  16  for receiving an unlock enable signal b and outputting a lock control signal f to the key device  13 . According to the above-described configuration, when operating and activating the key device, such as a door lock device of a vehicle and a house, using a mobile terminal, such as a cell phone, which many people usually carry around with them, a keyless entry system and a keyless entry method that are reliable and convenient for users can be provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a key technology to prevent personalproperties or articles in cars and houses from being stolen and, inparticular, to a keyless entry system and a keyless entry method forallowing an operator to operate a key device after identifying theoperator who operates the key device.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, various antitheft methods have been proposed as occurrence ofthefts of vehicles themselves or thefts of articles in vehiclesincreases.

As one of the antitheft methods, a keyless entry system (antitheftsystem) is known in which a mobile equipment or portable device which isusually carried around by a user of a mobile device such as cell phonehas a function for transmitting identification information so as to beused as a key.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-open (KOKAI) Publication No.2002-115438 discloses a system which includes, as shown in FIG. 7, aplurality of mobile devices 1 to 5 (a cell phone 1, a wrist watch 2, ahandheld computer 3, a portable game console 4, and a portable musicplayer 5) capable of transmitting their unique identificationinformation using Bluetooth (Trade Mark of Bluetooth SIG. Inc. in theUSA), and an automobile (vehicle) 12 equipped with a memory 6preliminarily storing (registering) the identification information ofthe mobile devices 1 to 5, a receiver 8 including an antenna 7 forreceiving the identification information transmitted from the mobiledevices 1 to 5, and a control unit 11 for determining whether thereceived identification information accords with the information storedin the memory 6 and allowing a driver to drive the vehicle 12 by causinga door lock actuator 9 to release a door lock and causing an engine 10to start based on the determination result.

Thus, by operating one of the plurality of mobile devices 1 to 5, thedriver can conveniently operate a door lock device of the vehicle usingthese mobile devices 1 to 5 in addition to a key dedicated to thevehicle or an auto key.

Each of the mobile devices 1 to 5 includes a combination of the modelinformation and unique identification information thereof, andtherefore, even if the mobile devices 1 to 5 have the same modelinformation, each of the mobile devices 1 to 5 can be identified as aunique one.

However, since the driver carries around such a mobile device, themobile device tends to be subject to loss and theft. In some cases,theft from the vehicle and theft of the vehicle itself occur, whichprovides a significant inconvenience.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a keylessentry system provided with a key device, such as a door lock device, forallowing, for example, a user of a vehicle to use a mobile device, suchas a cell phone, to lock and unlock the key device and allowing the userto make an urgent operation when the user loses the mobile device or hasthe mobile device stolen, and also relates to a keyless entry methodutilizing such keyless entry system.

To achieve the above-described objects, the present invention provides akeyless entry system which includes a key device for carrying outlocking and unlocking operations, a mobile terminal provided with amobile terminal transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting user-IDnumber data used for identifying a user of the key device, and a keysecurity system provided with a key device transmitting/receiving unitfor receiving the user-ID number data from the mobile terminal. The keysecurity system includes an ID-number data comparison unit forrecognizing a fact that key-device ID number data pre-stored in the keydevice is identical to the user-ID number data transmitted from themobile terminal and a key-device ECU for receiving an unlock enablesignal and outputting a lock control signal to the key device so as tounlock the key device by the control signal.

In the keyless entry system according to the present invention, the keydevice may be an engine start device for starting and stopping a vehicleengine in accordance with either one of an operation of the mobileterminal and automatic recognition between transmitting/receiving unitsprovided in the key device and the mobile terminal.

In addition, the key device may be a door lock device for locking andunlocking a door in accordance with either one of an operation of themobile terminal and automatic recognition between transmitting/receivingunits provided in the key device and the mobile terminal. Furthermore,the door lock device may be a vehicle door lock device or a house doorlock device for locking and unlocking a door in accordance with eitherone of an operation of the mobile terminal and automatic recognitionbetween transmitting/receiving units provided in the door lock deviceand the mobile terminal.

The user-ID number data can be erased or modified in accordance with acommunication from a key-device security service site to the mobileterminal. The user-ID number data can be erased or modified inaccordance with a communication from a key-device security service siteto an in-car communication device.

The mobile terminal transmitting/receiving unit and the key devicetransmitting and receiving unit are Bluetooth transmitting/receivingunits.

The user-ID number data for identifying a user of the key device is atleast one of number data of terminal serial number data transmitted froma Bluetooth transmitting unit of the mobile terminal and Bluetoothmodule number data specific to the Bluetooth transmitting unit.

Moreover, the key device transmitting/receiving unit may include akey-device Bluetooth transmitting/receiving module for receiving user-IDnumber data transmitted from the mobile terminal, a key-device ID numberdata memory for storing key-device ID number data, an ID-number datacomparison unit for comparing the user-ID number data with thekey-device ID number data and outputting an unlock enable signal whenthe user-ID number data accords with the key-device ID number data, anda key-device ECU for receiving the unlock enable signal and transmittinga lock control signal to the key device.

Software required for the comparison between the ID-number data may bestored in one of the key-device transmitting/receiving unit and themobile terminal in advance, or may be downloaded from a key-devicesecurity service site when required.

Furthermore, to achieve the above-described objects of the presentinvention, there is provided a keyless entry method utilizing thekeyless entry system, which includes a key device for carrying outlocking and unlocking operations, a mobile terminal including amobile-terminal transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting user-IDnumber data for identifying a user of the key device, and a key securitysystem including a key-device transmitting/receiving unit for receivingthe user-ID number data transmitted from the mobile terminal, thekeyless entry method including the steps of: storing key-device IDnumber data in a Bluetooth transmitting/receiving unit of the key devicein advance; storing the user-ID number data in the mobile terminaloperated by the user of the key device in advance; transmitting theuser-ID number data from the mobile terminal to the Bluetoothtransmitting/receiving unit; comparing the user-ID number data receivedby the Bluetooth transmitting/receiving unit with the key-device IDnumber data stored in the Bluetooth transmitting/receiving unit inadvance by using an ID-number data comparison unit; transmitting anunlock enable signal to a key-device ECU when the ID number data accordswith each other; and unlocking the key device by transmitting a lockcontrol signal from the key-device ECU to the key device in response toreception of the unlock enable signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda mounted side unit in a keyless entry system which includes a keydevice for carrying out locking and unlocking operations and a keysecurity system including a key device transmitting/receiving unit forreceiving user-ID number data used for identifying a user of the keydevice from a terminal. The key security system includes an ID-numberdata comparison unit for recognizing a fact that key-device ID numberdata pre-stored in the key device is identical to the received user-IDnumber data and a key-device ECU for receiving an unlock enable signaland outputting a lock control signal to the key device so as to unlockthe key device by the unlock signal.

As described above, according to the present invention, when mobileterminals, such as cell phones, which many people usually carry around,are used to operate and activate a key device, such as a door lockdevice of a vehicle and a house, a user of the mobile terminal isauthenticated, and therefore, theft protection for the vehicle and thehouse can be provided while maintaining convenience for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a keyless entry system according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a keyless entry process according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a keyless entry system according to asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a keyless entry process according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a keyless entry system according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a keyless entry process according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a known keyless entry system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a keyless entry system and a keyless entry methodaccording to the present invention will be described hereunder withreference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a keyless entry system according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

A keyless entry system 11 includes a key device 13 mounted on a vehicle12 for locking and unlocking a door and a key security system 15 mountedon the vehicle 12 and having a function capable of communicating with amobile terminal 14.

The key device 13 is used for a driver or a passenger of the vehicle 12(hereinafter referred to as a “user”) to lock and unlock doors 12 a and12 b (only one side is shown) either remotely using the mobile terminal14 or automatically.

The key device 13 can be operated by an owner of the vehicle 12 and aperson who received the permission to drive the vehicle 12 from theowner (hereinafter referred to as a “user”) either remotely using themobile terminal 14 with respect to the vehicle 12 or automaticrecognition at a time of getting on and off the vehicle 12.

The key device 13 receives user-ID number data a1 from the mobileterminal 14 of the user to unlock the door and authenticates the user-IDnumber data a1 to thereby lock and unlock the doors.

The user-ID number data a1 is determined in advance to identify a userand is stored in the mobile terminal 14 in advance.

A terminal serial number or a Bluetooth module number can be used as theuser-ID number data a1. Since this number has, for example, multipledigits, the number can provide an identification function.

In the vehicle 12, in order to identify a user operating the key device13, the key device 13 includes an ID-number data comparison unit 23,which compares key device ID number data a2, which is key device IDnumber data pre-stored in the key device 13 of the vehicle, with theuser-ID number data a1 to check whether the two data are identical.

If two ID numbers in the two ID number data are identical, the ID-numberdata comparison unit 23 outputs an unlock enable signal b.

A user of the vehicle 12 carries around the mobile terminal 14 servingas an operation key for the key device 13 at a time when the user usesor intends to use the vehicle 12. The mobile terminal 14 can be used asa cell phone and can also be used to lock and unlock the door of thevehicle 12 through remote control or by automatic recognition.

That is, the mobile terminal 14 includes a telephone unit 17 forproviding a normal conversation function and a mobile Bluetoothtransmitting/receiving unit 18 (hereinafter referred to as a “mobile BTtransmitting/receiving unit”), which instructs the key device 13 of thevehicle 12 to lock and unlock by remote control or by the automaticrecognition.

The mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18 may have a structure thatenables it to be removably inserted into the mobile terminal 14, such asa dongle or a card (not shown).

The key security system 15 includes a key-device Bluetooth transmittingand receiving unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as a “key-device BTtransmitting/receiving unit”) and a key electronic control unit(key-device ECU) 16.

The key-device BT transmitting/receiving unit 20 includes a key-deviceBT transmitting/receiving module 21 (hereinafter referred to as a“key-device BT transmitting/receiving module”), a key-device ID numberdata memory 22 for storing the key-device ID number data a2, and theID-number data comparison unit 23.

The key-device BT transmitting/receiving unit 20 can receive Bluetoothcommunication radio waves 18 a (hereinafter referred to as “BTcommunication radio waves”) transmitted from the mobile BTtransmitting/receiving unit 18 within, for example, a 10-m radius fromthe mobile terminal 14.

The BT communication radio waves 18 a include ID number data a foridentifying a user of the vehicle 12.

The mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18 uses the BT communicationradio waves 18 a to communicate with the vehicle 12 based on acommunication technology used for a short-range wireless communicationwithin about a 10-m radius.

The key-device ID number data memory 22 in the vehicle 12 stores thekey-device ID number data a2 identical to the user-ID number data a1 foridentifying a user of the vehicle 12 in advance.

The ID-number data comparison unit 23 compares the user-ID number dataa1 included in the BT communication radio waves 18 a transmitted fromthe mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18 with the key-device IDnumber data a2 pre-stored in the key-device ID number data memory 22 inthe vehicle. If these numbers are identical, the ID-number datacomparison unit 23 transmits the unlock enable signal b to thekey-device ECU 16.

The unlock enable signal b is transmitted to the key-device ECU 16provided for the key security system 15.

The key-device ECU 16 is incorporated in the key security system 15 andcan be operated through the remote control using the mobile terminal 14to instruct the key device 13 so as to lock and unlock the door.

The key-device ECU 16 includes an unlock signal transmitting unit 24.Upon receiving the unlock enable signal b from the ID-number datacomparison unit 23, the unlock signal transmitting unit 24 transmits alock control signal f to the key device 13.

Upon receiving the lock control signal f, the key device 13 activates alock mechanism (not shown) to lock or unlock the door.

In a key operation of the key device 13, the ID number data foridentifying a user of the vehicle 12 is first used as the user-ID numberdata a1 for authenticating a user.

For example, a terminal serial number of the mobile terminal 14 or aBluetooth module number of the mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18can be used as the ID number in the user-ID number data a1.

The ID number in the user-ID number data a1 is assigned to a specificuser in a key-device security service site 32.

Additionally, the ID number assigned to the specific user is stored in auser-ID number data memory 19 of the mobile terminal 14 in advance.

Furthermore, when a user loses the mobile terminal 14 storing theuser-ID number data a1, the user can instruct the mobile terminal 14 todisable the user-ID number data a1 so as to disable the mobile terminal14.

This disabling operation is carried out by transmitting a disable signal(not shown) which erases or modifies the user-ID number data a1 from thekey-device security service site 32 to the mobile terminal 14.

Alternatively, for example, the disabling operation is carried out bythe key-device security service site 32 transmitting a disable signal(not shown) which erases or modifies the key-device ID number data a2stored in the key-device ID number data memory 22 of the vehicle 12.

In addition, in the event of an emergency, an alternative mobileterminal 14 can be conveniently used by allowing the alternative mobileterminal 14 to cooperate with the key-device security service site 32via a wireless security network 30.

For example, in the event of an emergency, by downloading updateduser-ID number data a11 from the key-device security service site 32,the updated user-ID number data a11 can be installed in an alternativemobile terminal 14.

Before installing the updated user-ID number data a11, for example, auser identification number that the user registers to the key-devicesecurity service site 32 in advance is used for the key-device securityservice site 32 to authenticate the user.

The user transmits the user identification number from the alternativemobile terminal 14 to the key-device security service site 32. If theuser identification number is authenticated by the key-device securityservice site 32, the updated user-ID number data a11 is transmitted tothe mobile terminal 14.

The user having the mobile terminal 14 can only check that, for example,the mobile terminal 14 receives the updated user-ID number data a11.

Additionally, through such checking operation, the user can know thatthe updated user-ID number data a11 is automatically stored in theuser-ID number data memory 19 of the mobile terminal and the mobileterminal 14 can be used as a key.

If, in the event of an emergency, the user cannot acquire an alternativemobile terminal 14, the key-device security service site 32 gives, tothe user, a mobile terminal 14 having the updated user-ID number dataa11.

On the other hand, the wireless security network 30 is composed of aregular wireless network 31 which establishes communication between themobile terminal 14 and the vehicle 12 and the key-device securityservice site 32 connected to the regular wireless network 31.

The regular wireless network 31 includes a wireless base station 31 a,which is provided to be capable of communicating with an in-carcommunication unit 35 in the vehicle 12, the mobile terminal 14, and thekey-device security service site 32.

The key-device security service site 32 is a keyless entry servicecenter 33 for offering a service to provide the updated user-ID numberdata a11 and information about the closest key-device security servicesite from the current location or a dealer 34 supporting keyless entry.

An owner of the vehicle 12 makes an agreement with the keyless entryservice center 33 or the dealer 34 supporting keyless entry in terms ofa security service to receive the setup user ID number that identifiesthe owner of the vehicle 12.

Additionally, the keyless entry service center 33 or the keyless entrydealer 34 installs (inputs) the user-ID number data a1 including thesetup user ID number in the mobile terminal 14 of the user.

Furthermore, in an occasion that the user loses the mobile terminal 14,the user can receive a specific updated ID number corresponding to amaster key in a newly purchased mobile terminal 14 as occasion demands.

The updated ID number corresponding to a master key is stored in thekey-device ID number data memory 22 of the key security system 15 in thevehicle 12 in advance as a backup key so that the updated ID numberserves as the master key.

In order to input the key-device ID number data a2 to the vehicle 12,the key-device security service site 32 inputs (stores) a key device IDnumber to the key-device ID number data memory 22 of the key securitysystem 15 in the vehicle 12 in advance before the use of the vehicle 12.

In the key-device security service site 32 which provides the vehicle 12with the vehicle security service site information, the keyless entryservice center 33 and the dealer 34 supporting keyless entryrespectively have information databases 33 a and 34 a to share aplurality of user ID number data items a1 to an assigned to a pluralityof users who make an agreement with the keyless entry service center 33and the keyless entry dealer 34 in terms of the above-described securityservice.

Each of the user ID number data items a1 to an shared with the keylessentry service center 33 and the keyless entry dealer 34 is included inan inquiry signal c and is transmitted from the mobile terminal 14 ofthe user of the vehicle 12 to one of the key-device security servicesites 32 so as to receive service information data h indicating thelocation of the key-device security service site 32 from the key-devicesecurity service site 32.

Accordingly, the user goes to the closest key-device security servicesite 32 based on the service information data h received by the mobileterminal 14 and can borrow a mobile terminal 14 that the key-devicesecurity service site 32 offers.

Reference numeral 35 designates an in-car communication device in thevehicle 12. The in-car communication device 35 transmits and receives aregular information communication signal d via the regular wirelessnetwork 31 to carry out any regular information communication.Furthermore, the in-car communication device 35 can communicate with themobile terminal 14 and, for example, can transmit and receive data toand from an artificial satellite 36, such as a broadcasting satelliteand a communication satellite.

Furthermore, the in-car communication device 35 can transmit and receivedata to and from the key security system 15.

The operation of the keyless entry system 11 will be then describedhereunder with reference to a flow chart in FIG. 2.

When the user of the vehicle 12 makes an agreement with the key-devicesecurity service site 32 in terms of a key device security service, thefollowing steps are carried out.

At least one of the terminal serial number data of the mobile terminal14 of the user of the vehicle 12 and the Bluetooth module number dataspecific to the mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18 is stored inthe information databases 33 a and 34 a of the keyless entry servicecenter 33 and the dealer 34 supporting keyless entry as the user-IDnumber data a1 for identifying a user of the vehicle 12 (Step 1).

The key-device ID number data a2 having the same ID number as that inthe user-ID number data a1 stored in the information database 33 a or 34a is stored in the key-device ID number data memory 22 (Step 2).

At the key-device security service site 32, the user-ID number data a1is installed in (input to) the mobile terminal 14 of the user.

After this stage, the mobile terminal 14 of the user can be used as anoperation key for the vehicle 12 (Step 3).

The user of the vehicle 12 operates the mobile terminal 14 to activatethe key device 13 of the vehicle 12 (Step 4 a).

After unlocking the door, when starting a driving engine of the vehicle12, the user can operate a separately provided engine key (not shown) tostart the driving engine.

The above-described Steps 1 to 4 are steps required for the user of thevehicle 12 to receive a theft protection service from the key-devicesecurity service site 32 before driving the vehicle 12 according to anagreement between the user of the vehicle 12 and the key-device securityservice site 32.

The case where the user of the vehicle 12 loses the mobile terminal 14or has the mobile terminal 14 stolen will be described next.

First, the user disables the user ID number installed in the lost orstolen mobile terminal 14 (Step 5 a).

In this case, if it is desired for the user to immediately drive thevehicle 12 and if the user can immediately receive another mobileterminal 14, for example, if a passenger of the vehicle 12 has anothermobile terminal 14, the user operates the mobile terminal 14 to transmitthe inquiry signal c to the key-device security service site 32.

Thereafter, the user receives the updated user-ID number data a11 fromthe key-device security service site 32 in response to the inquirysignal c and checks the reception (Step 5 b).

The user of the vehicle 12 operates the mobile terminal 14 to activatethe key device 13 of the vehicle 12 (return to Step 4 a).

In a case where the user desires to immediately drive the vehicle 12,but the user cannot immediately receive another mobile terminal 14, theuser requests the key-device security service site 32 to lend analternative mobile terminal 14 (Step 6 a).

The user receives a mobile terminal in which an updated ID number is setup, that is, the updated ID number is installed in the user-ID numberdata memory 19 from the key-device security service site 32 (Step 6 b).

The user of the vehicle 12 operates the mobile terminal 14 to unlock thedoor of the vehicle 12 (return to Step 4 a).

As described in the foregoing steps, when the user of the vehicle 12loses the mobile terminal 14 or has the mobile terminal 14 stolen, theuser of the vehicle 12 can receive an updated ID number from thekey-device security service site 32 or the user of the vehicle 12 canreceive a mobile terminal having the updated ID number from thekey-device security service site 32 so as to remotely operate thevehicle 12.

Accordingly, even when the user loses the mobile terminal 14 used as avehicle key, it becomes possible to prevent the vehicle from beingstolen. In addition, the user can get something left in the compartmentof the vehicle 12 without problems, thus providing convenience to theuser.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention will be described next.

A keyless entry system according to the second embodiment is describedwith reference to FIG. 3, in which the same reference numerals are usedto designate the same components or parts in FIG. 1.

According to this embodiment, a keyless entry system 41 is applied tothe vehicle 12 mounting an immobilizer (anti-car theft system) 43, whichcontrols starting an engine start device 42. The engine start device 42is a key device which starts a (driving) engine (not shown) using a key.

The immobilizer 43 is a system that prevents the engine start device 42of the driving engine from starting and stopping if a user of thevehicle 12 cannot be authenticated.

The immobilizer 43 includes a key-device Bluetoothtransmitting/receiving unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as a “key-deviceBT transmitting/receiving unit”) and an engine ECU 44 which is akey-device ECU for transmitting an engine start signal g to the enginestart device 42.

The engine ECU 44 includes an engine start signal transmitting unit 45for transmitting the engine start signal g to the engine start device 42when the ID-number data comparison unit 23 authenticates the user.

More specifically, the engine start signal transmitting unit 45 operatesat a time when the engine start signal transmitting unit 45 receives anengine start enable signal e transmitted from the ID-number datacomparison unit 23.

The engine start enable signal e is transmitted from the ID-number datacomparison unit 23 to the engine ECU 44 when the ID-number datacomparison unit 23 compares the user-ID number data a1 contained in theBT communication radio waves 18 a transmitted from the mobile BTtransmitting/receiving unit 18 with engine-start-device ID number dataa2, which is key-device ID number data stored in a engine-start-deviceID number data memory 25 and when these data are identical. When theengine ECU 44 receives the engine start enable signal e, the engine ECU44 transmits the engine start signal g to the engine start device 42 soas to start the driving engine.

On the other hand, for the mobile terminal 14 of the user, thekey-device security service site 32, which is connected using anothermobile terminal 14 via the wireless security network 30, is provided.The key-device security service site 32 is used when the mobile terminal14 breaks down during use, the user loses the mobile terminal 14, or theuser has the mobile terminal 14 stolen.

In addition, to prevent the theft of the vehicle 12 itself, an enginesecurity service site 37 is provided. The engine security service site37 transmits a signal to the vehicle 12 in order to inhibit staring theengine of the vehicle 12.

For example, when the mobile terminal 14 transmits an ID number disablerequesting signal j1 for disabling an ID number to the engine securityservice site 37, the engine security service site 37 transmits an IDnumber disable signal j2 to the key security system 15 of the vehicle 12to erase or modify ID number data stored in the key-device ID numberdata memory 22 of the key security system 15.

The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodimentmentioned before, and therefore, repeated descriptions are omittedherein.

The operation of the above-described keyless entry system 41 isdescribed next with reference to a flow chart in FIG. 4.

When the user of the vehicle 12 makes an agreement with the enginesecurity service site 37 in terms of a key device security service, thefollowing steps will be carried out.

At least one of the terminal serial number data of the mobile terminal14 of the user of the vehicle 12 and the Bluetooth module number dataspecific to the mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18 is stored inthe information databases 33 a and 34 a of the keyless entry servicecenter 33 and the dealer 34 supporting keyless entry as the user-IDnumber data a1 for identifying the user of the vehicle 12 (Step 1).

The key-device ID number data a2 having the same ID number as that inthe user-ID number data a1 stored in the information database 33 a or 34a is stored in the engine-start-device ID number data memory 25 (Step2).

At the engine security service site 37, the user-ID number data a1 isinstalled in (input to) the mobile terminal 14 of the user.

After this stage, the mobile terminal 14 of the user can be used as anoperation key for the vehicle 12 (Step 3).

The user of the vehicle 12 operates the mobile terminal 14 to start orstop the engine start device 42 of the vehicle 12 (Step 4 a).

After operating the mobile terminal 14 to start the engine start device42, the user can operate a separately provided door lock key (not shown)to unlock the key device 13 of the vehicle 12.

The above-described (Step 1) to (Step 4 a) are steps required for theuser of the vehicle 12 to receive a theft protection service from theengine security service site 37 before using the vehicle 12 according toan agreement between the user of the vehicle 12 and the engine securityservice site 37.

In the case where the user of the vehicle 12 loses the mobile terminal14 or has the mobile terminal 14 stolen, the engine security servicesite 37 erases or modifies the ID number data stored in the key securitysystem 15 of the vehicle 12 so as to disable the ID number data.

The other operations are the same steps as those described in the firstembodiment mentioned before, and therefore, repeated descriptions areomitted herein.

Accordingly, even when the user loses the mobile terminal 14 used as avehicle key, the vehicle can be prevented from being stolen, andmoreover, the theft of the vehicle itself can be prevented.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described next.

A keyless entry system according to the third embodiment is describedwith reference to FIG. 5, in which the same reference numerals are usedto designate the same components or parts in FIG. 1.

According to the present invention, a keyless entry system 50 includes akey device 13 installed in, for example, a house 51, a mobile terminal14, and a wireless security network 53 capable of connecting the mobileterminal 14 to a house security service site 52 via a regular wirelessnetwork 31.

In this third embodiment, basically, the house 51 may be considered asthe vehicle 12 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the in-carcommunication device 35 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may beconsidered to be eliminated from the wireless network.

That is, the house security service site 52 can communicate with themobile terminal 14 via a communication antenna 52 a and the house 51 cantransmit ID number data for identifying the house 51 or an occupant ofthe house 51.

The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodimentmentioned before, and therefore, repeated descriptions are omittedherein.

The operation of the keyless entry system 50 according to thisembodiment is described next with reference to a flow chart in FIG. 6.

When an occupant of the house 51 makes an agreement with the housesecurity service site 52 in terms of a key device security service, atleast one of terminal serial number data of the mobile terminal 14 ofthe occupant of the house 51 and Bluetooth module number data specificto a mobile BT transmitting/receiving unit 18 is stored in theinformation database 33 a or 34 a of the keyless entry service center 33and the dealer 34 supporting keyless entry as the user-ID number data a1for identifying the occupant of the house 51 (Step 1).

The key-device ID number data a2 having the same ID number as that inthe user-ID number data a1 stored in the information database 33 a or 34a is stored in the key-device ID number data memory 22 (Step 2).

At the house security service site 52, the user-ID number data a1 isinstalled in (input to) the mobile terminal 14 of the occupant.

After this stage, the mobile terminal 14 of the occupant can be used asan operation key for the house 51 (Step 3).

The occupant of the house 51 operates the mobile terminal 14 to activatethe key device 13 of the house 51 (Step 4 a).

The above-described (Step 1) to (Step 4 a) are steps required for theoccupant of the house 51 to receive a theft protection service from thehouse security service site 52 before using (entering and exiting) thehouse 51 according to an agreement between the occupant of the house 51and the house security service site 52.

In the case where the occupant of the house 51 loses the mobile terminal14 or has the mobile terminal 14 stolen, steps are the same as thosedescribed in the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, therepeated descriptions are omitted herein.

Accordingly, the occupant of the house 51 can operate the mobileterminal 14 which the occupant carries around to unlock the key device13 of the house 51 so that the occupant goes in and out the house 51. Inaddition, when the occupant of the house 51 loses the mobile terminal 14or has the mobile terminal 14 stolen, the occupant can temporarily useanother mobile terminal 14 (of another person). Furthermore, since theoccupant can receive another mobile terminal 14 from the house securityservice site 52, the occupant can conveniently unlock the key device 13of the house 51 even when the occupant loses the mobile terminal 14.

Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments of the present invention,a transmitting/receiving technology used in the key-device BTtransmitting and receiving unit 20 of the key device 13 and the mobileBT transmitting/receiving unit 18 of the embodiment terminal 14 can bereplaced with a wireless communication technology suitable for ashort-range wireless communication, such as a dedicated short rangecommunication (DSRC).

In addition, according to the above-described embodiments of the presentinvention, a key security system includes a key device for locking andunlocking and a key device transmitting and receiving unit for receivinguser-ID number data from a terminal to identify a user of the keydevice. The key security system may provide a mounting unit whichincludes an ID-number data comparison unit for recognizing thatkey-device ID number data stored in the key device in advance isidentical to the received user-ID number data and a key-device ECU forreceiving a unlock enable signal and outputting a lock control signal tothe key device so as to unlock the key device by the unlock signal.According to this embodiment, the present invention can be applied toterminals of various forms.

In the above-described embodiments, although the vehicle and the houseare mentioned as objects to which the key device is provided, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can beapplied to similar objects that can hold the key device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

When mobile terminals, such as cell phones, which many people usuallycarry around, are used to operate and activate a key device, such as adoor lock device of a vehicle and a house, a user of the mobile terminalis authenticated. Accordingly, the theft protection to the vehicle andthe house can be provided while maintaining convenience for the user.Consequently, a keyless entry system and a keyless entry method whichare safe and convenient for users are provided by the present invention,thus providing wide industrial applicability.

1. A keyless entry system comprising: a key device for carrying outlocking and unlocking operations; a mobile terminal provided with amobile terminal transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting user-IDnumber data used for identifying a user of the key device; and a keysecurity system provided with a key device transmitting/receiving unitfor receiving the user-ID number data from the mobile terminal, said keysecurity system comprising: an ID-number data comparison unit forrecognizing a fact that key-device ID number data pre-stored in the keydevice is identical to the user-ID number data transmitted from themobile terminal; and a key-device ECU for receiving an unlock enablesignal and outputting a lock control signal to the key device so as tounlock the key device by the lock control signal.
 2. The keyless entrysystem according to claim 1, wherein the key device is an engine startdevice for starting and stopping a vehicle engine in accordance witheither one of an operation of the mobile terminal and automaticrecognition between transmitting/receiving units provided in the keydevice and the mobile terminal.
 3. The keyless entry system according toclaim 1, wherein the key device is a door lock device for locking andunlocking a door in accordance with either one of an operation of themobile terminal and automatic recognition between transmitting/receivingunits provided in the key device and the mobile terminal.
 4. The keylessentry system according to claim 3, wherein the door lock device is avehicle door lock device for locking and unlocking a door in accordancewith either one of an operation of the mobile terminal and automaticrecognition between transmitting/receiving units provided in the doorlock device and the mobile terminal.
 5. The keyless entry systemaccording to claim 3, wherein the door lock device is a house door lockdevice for locking and unlocking a door in accordance with either one ofan operation of the mobile terminal and automatic recognition betweentransmitting/receiving units provided in the door lock device and themobile terminal.
 6. The keyless entry system according to any one ofclaims 1 to 5, wherein the user-ID number data is erasable or modifiedin accordance with a communication from a key-device security servicesite to the mobile terminal.
 7. The keyless entry system according toany one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the key-device ID number data iserasable or modified in accordance with a communication from akey-device security service site to an in-car communication device. 8.The keyless entry system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, whereinthe mobile terminal transmitting/receiving unit and the key devicetransmitting/receiving unit are Bluetooth transmitting/receiving units.9. The keyless entry system according to claim 8, wherein the user-IDnumber data for identifying a user of the key device is at least one ofnumber data of terminal serial number data transmitted from a Bluetoothtransmitting unit of the mobile terminal and Bluetooth module numberdata specific to the Bluetooth transmitting unit.
 10. The keyless entrysystem according to claim 8, wherein the key devicetransmitting/receiving unit comprises: a key-device Bluetoothtransmitting/receiving module for receiving user-ID number datatransmitted from the mobile terminal; a key-device ID number data memoryfor storing key-device ID number data; an ID-number data comparison unitfor comparing the user-ID number data with the key-device ID number dataand outputting an unlock enable signal when the user-ID number datamatches the key-device ID number data; and a key-device ECU forreceiving the unlock enable signal and transmitting a lock controlsignal to the key device.
 11. A keyless entry method utilizing a keylessentry system, which comprises a key device for carrying out locking andunlocking operations, a mobile terminal including a mobile-terminaltransmitting/receiving unit for transmitting user-ID number data foridentifying a user of the key device, and a key security systemincluding a key-device transmitting/receiving unit for receiving theuser-ID number data transmitted from the mobile terminal, said keylessentry method comprising the steps of: storing key-device ID number datain a Bluetooth transmitting/receiving unit of the key device in advance;storing the user-ID number data in the mobile terminal operated by theuser of the key device in advance; transmitting the user-ID number datafrom the mobile terminal to the Bluetooth transmitting/receiving unit ofthe key device; comparing the user-ID number data received by theBluetooth transmitting/receiving unit of the key device with thekey-device ID number data stored in the Bluetooth transmitting/receivingunit of the key device in advance by using an ID-number data comparisonunit; transmitting an unlock enable signal to a key-device ECU when thetwo number data match; and unlocking the key device by transmitting alock control signal from the key-device ECU to the key device inresponse to reception of the unlock enable signal.
 12. The keyless entrymethod according to claim 11, wherein the unlocking step is a step ofstarting an engine start device of a vehicle.
 13. The keyless entrymethod according to claim 11, wherein the unlocking step is a step ofunlocking a door lock device of a vehicle.
 14. The keyless entry methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the unlocking step is a step of unlockinga door lock device of a house.
 15. The keyless entry method according toclaim 11, wherein software required for the comparing step of the twoID-number data is stored in one of the key-device transmitting/receivingunit and the mobile terminal in advance, or is downloaded from akey-device security service site when required.
 16. A mounted side unitin a keyless entry system, comprising: a key device for carrying outlocking and unlocking operations; and a key security system comprising akey device transmitting and receiving unit for receiving user-ID numberdata used for identifying a user of the key device from a terminal, saidkey security system comprising: an ID-number data comparison unit forrecognizing a fact that key-device ID number data pre-stored in the keydevice is identical to the received user-ID number data; and akey-device ECU for receiving an unlock enable signal and outputting alock control signal to the key device so as to unlock the key device bythe unlock signal.
 17. The mounted side unit in a keyless entry systemaccording to claim 16, wherein the key device is an engine start devicefor starting and stopping an engine of a vehicle.
 18. The mounted sideunit in a keyless entry system according to claim 16, wherein the keydevice is a vehicle door lock device for locking and unlocking a door ofa vehicle.
 19. The mounted side unit in a keyless entry system accordingto claim 16, wherein the key device is a house door lock device forlocking and unlocking a door of a house.